Can we keep this? Access & Benefit-Sharing: permits, problems and processes in managing collections and research.

Dr Chris Lyal

Department of Entomology

NHM

Thursday 26th January 2012

Flett Lecture Theatre, NHM, South Kensington

2.30pm-4.00pm

Synopsis: In October last year the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agreed the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), formalising policy agreements that have been in place for nearly two decades. The Protocol potentially affects the work of all scientific staff in the Museum, since it provides a framework for requirements in collecting and research permits, including what we can and cannot do with specimens, who we can lend them to, and what we might have to provide to the country where the specimens come from. The Museum, together with other collection-holding institutions, is developing a response that aims to protect our work and our staff, while ensuring that we can meet obligations agreed to in permits and other agreements. Chris has been involved in negotiation on ABS and will discuss the policy, its implications for us and how the Museum might change its policies and processes. This is an opportunity to explore how the Protocol might affect how we manage biological collections across the Museum, and suggesting how we might respond.

There is no booking fee and only large parties need to notify the organiser for catering purposes.

Tea and coffee will be available in the seminar room lobby area after the talk.